The refinement of the definition of retirement continues as Americans continue to age. In a new nationwide poll of older adults, ages 65 to 80, shows that over 80% of them view their retirement will be different and more exciting than their parents retirement. The Vi Next Chapter study examines the expectations and self perception of what the respondents are looking towards or experiencing in their retirement. Some of the survey highlights include:
- 96% say retirement doesn’t mean they are ready to stop being productive and 79% feel productive currently
- 80% of respondents stated that declining or deterioration of health concerns them most versus 20% worried about not having enough money to live
- 60% of older Americans polled say they are exercising more than 2-3 hours a week with 21% saying they exercise more than 5 hours each week.
- More than four out of five say they prepare meals from scratch rather than eating frozen, pre-prepared or takeout meals and 97% say the food they eat is very or somewhat healthy
"Today’s seniors are relatively healthy, very active, engaged in their lives, their interests and their communities and are a real hoot to be around," said Kenneth Brummel-Smith, MD, Charlotte Edwards Maguire, Chair, and Professor, Department of Geriatrics, Florida State University. "This generation is redefining so many aspects of aging and retirement. It is no surprise this dynamic demographic is shattering outdated perceptions and rewriting the way we perceive older adults."
